Apparatus And Method For Storage Of A Cord

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for containing a cord is provided. The apparatus and method include a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end. The longitudinal hollow member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a restrictive band disposed on the interior surface of at least one of the first end and the second end of the longitudinal hollow member, wherein the restrictive band restricts movement of the cord from being dislodged from the longitudinal hollow member when the cord is folded into loops within the longitudinal hollow member.

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to the organization and storage of a cord, and in particular, to containing a cord within a container without slippage or dislocation of the cord from the container.

BACKGROUND

Electrical devices typically include an electrical cord for connecting the device to an electrical outlet. Some of these cords are permanently attached to a device while other cords are detachable from the device. Detaching the cord can be problematic because the cord can become lost for devices that are used infrequently or the wrong cord can be selected from storage accidentally only for the user to discover their mistake upon failure of the cord to fit into the device.

A second problem associated with cords is the organization of the cord. Cords can be in a disarray and take away from the appearance of an appliance. For example, a flat screen tv is viewed as a sleek high tech device. However, loosely hanging cords such as electrical cords and cable wire can take away from that sleek high tech image. It's a case where an appliance has met the modern age, but the accessories such as cords and cables have not.

Hotels have tried to address this issue by hiding the cord behind a dresser or in the case of an electric coffee pot, placing the coffee pot, cups and condiments on a tray and hiding the cord behind the condiments and cups. Unfortunately, this solution does not fully address the problem.

A third problem associated with cords is the safety issue. Loosely hanging cords pose a threat to children. For instance, an unattended hot iron may be unplugged and resting on an ironing board. A child may see the loosely hanging cord and believe it is a toy such as a rope. If the child pulls the cord, the hot iron may injure the child by falling on the child's head, or falling adjacent to the child and the child touching the hot iron.

Loosely hanging cords not only attract children, but the cords attract pets also. Certain types of pets are notorious for biting and pulling on electrical cords. There are products on the market which allow a pet owner to coat the cord with a foul tasting substance. However, not all pets are responsive to the taste of the products. For instance, what may work for a rabbit may not work for a dog or cat.

Some solutions have been proposed to the above problems. One solution is to use a tie clip or a Velcro clip on a bundled cord. This solution is not very attractive because all of the cord is still exposed and may hang in a direction a user may not want due to the forces of gravity.

Patentable solutions have also been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,614 proposed a tube device with a slot for retaining a cord when the cord is bundled within the tube. One problem encountered with this device is that it requires the cord to be bundled to use the slot. That is, the slot cannot maintain the cord in place if an appliance is in use. Furthermore, the device maintains one size.

US Published Application No. 20090050754 discloses a cord caddy for retaining a bundled cord when an appliance such as an iron is not in use. The cord caddy can fit within the opening of an iron handle. Again, this device cannot be used while a device is in operation, and this device maintains one size.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,988 discloses a system in which a tubular member has slots at opposing ends to maintain both portions of a cord—the plug portion and an opposing end of the cord. This invention can only be used when an appliance is not in use and the system maintains only one size.

Thus, there is a need for an invention that overcomes the limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method for containing a cord is provided. The apparatus and method include a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end. The longitudinal hollow member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a restrictive band disposed on the interior surface of at least one of the first end and the second end of the longitudinal hollow member, wherein the restrictive band restricts movement of the cord from being dislodged from the longitudinal hollow member when the cord is folded into loops within the longitudinal hollow member.

Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for containing a cord. The apparatus includes a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end. The longitudinal hollow member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus further includes a retaining member coupled to the exterior surface of the longitudinal hollow member, wherein the retaining member is lockable and connects a portion of the cord to the longitudinal hollow member, wherein in a folded or unfolded state the cord is still connected to the longitudinal hollow member.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal hollow member is extendable and retractable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus do not limit the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B disclose perspective views of a tubular shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B disclose perspective views of a rectangular shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B disclose perspective views of a square shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4C disclose views of a retainer member for use with a cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 discloses a perspective view of a retainer member for use with a cord container in accordance with another embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A through 6C disclose views of a retractable cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B disclose perspective views of a tubular shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A longitudinal hollow member 100 includes a first end 102 and an opposing second end 104.

Longitudinal hollow member 100 may comprise plastic, rubber, foam, or a metallic material or combinations of the materials. Longitudinal hollow member 100 may be flexible wherein it can fit within the handle of an appliance such as an iron or firm wherein the shape of longitudinal hollow member is maintained under moderate to medium pressure. A preferable length of the longitudinal hollow member 100 is 4 to 6 inches. A preferably diameter is between 1 to 4 inches.

The longitudinal member 100 also has an interior surface 106, an exterior surface 108 and a restrictive band 110 disposed on a portion of the interior surface 106 and exterior surface 108. The restrictive band 110 preferably comprises at least one of a foam, rubber or plastic material. The restrictive band 110 may further include grooves along a horizontal direction (e.g. in the direction of the length of the tube) or in a vertical direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the length of the tube). The restrictive band 110 can be as narrow as a quarter inch wide to as large as one inch wide.

The foam, rubber or plastic material is preferably flexible and restricts the movement of cord 112. The foam, rubber or plastic material can further include a grit material such as sand to increase the material's coefficient of friction factor. For example, interior surface 106 is relatively frictionless and smooth to allow easy and simple insertion of cord 112. However, when the cord 112 is folded into loops, the restrictive band 110 restricts the movement of the cord 112 such that cord 112 does not become dislodged from longitudinal hollow member 100.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the grooves on a cord may interact with the grooves in restrictive band 110, wherein the cord 112 may be prevented from rotating and or shifting. For cords without grooves, the flexibility of the restrictive band 110 exerts increased pressure on the cord 112 as more loops are added to fill longitudinal hollow member 100.

It is preferred that restrictive band 110 is disposed proximate the first end 102 and or the opposing second end 104 of the interior surface 106 and/or exterior surface 108 of the longitudinal member 100. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that other locations can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, restrictive band 110 can be disposed on the interior surface 106 at a center location of the longitudinal hollow member 100.

In an embodiment of the invention, the restrictive band 110 can be positioned in a longitudinal direction, for example, between first end 102 and opposing second end 104 on exterior surface 108 and or interior surface 106. Having the restrictive band 110 in the longitudinal direction can assist the longitudinal hollow member maintain its position in an appliance. For example, when positioned between the handle of an iron, the longitudinal hollow member 100 can be more stable and less prone to slippage when the restrictive band 110 is along the length of the longitudinal hollow member 100. The cord may be held more securely when the restrictive bands are along the length of the longitudinal hollow member 100. The spacing between the restrictive band can vary from a quarter inch to two inches apart.

A bracket, adhesive, suction cups, Velcro® or a combination of these can be used to affix longitudinal hollow member 100 to an appliance or electronic device. Longitudinal hollow member 100 can also be adapted to fit within the handles of appliances such as coffee pots, irons, blenders, food processors, and the like.

Advertising or a brand name may be placed on longitudinal member 100. Longitudinal hollow member 100 may be transparent or colored. Restrictive band 110 may be colored to match the longitudinal hollow member 100 or have a contrasting color.

In still a further embodiment of the invention, a pouch can be attached to the longitudinal hollow member 100 for insertion of advertising information or branding information. For instance, a name of a hotel can be used.

Although longitudinal hollow member 100 is disclosed as being tubular in dimension, the shape can also be rectangular or square as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each shape may have a particular benefit for a specific application. For example, a rectangular shape may be suitable for use with a flat screen. There is, typically, a gap between the wall and a front edge of a flat screen tv such that a portion or all of a rectangular embodiment of the invention can fit there between.

FIGS. 2A and 2B disclose perspective views of a rectangular shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A longitudinal hollow member 200 includes a first end 202 and an opposing second end 204. The longitudinal member 200 also includes an interior surface 206, an exterior surface 208 and a restrictive band 210 disposed on a portion of the interior surface 206 and exterior surface 208. Cord 212 is folded and inserted into longitudinal hollow member 200 wherein the restrictive band 210 restricts movement of the cord 212.

FIGS. 3A and 3B disclose perspective views of a square shaped cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A longitudinal hollow member 300 includes a first end 302 and an opposing second end 304. The longitudinal member 300 also includes an interior surface 306, an exterior surface 308 and a restrictive band 310 disposed on a portion of the interior surface 306 and exterior surface 308. Cord 312 is folded and inserted into longitudinal hollow member 300 wherein the restrictive band 310 restricts movement of the cord 312.

FIGS. 4A through 4C disclose views of a retainer member for use with a cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4A through 4C disclose a longitudinal hollow member 400 that includes a secondary opening 414. Secondary opening 414 is adapted to receive a retaining member 416. Retaining member 416 includes head portion 418, side portions 420, and hooking portions 422. When head portion 418 or side portions 420 are compressed in the horizontal direction, it allows hooking portions 422 to fit within secondary opening 414. Once the side portions are released and hooking portions 422 are in the secondary opening 414, the structure of hooking portions 422 prevent the retaining member 416 from being lifted out of the secondary opening 414. That is, hooking portions 422 touch interior surface 406 of longitudinal hollow member 400. The structure of retaining member 416 is such that a bottom curved portion of head portion 418 touches an exterior surface 408 of longitudinal hollow member 400. At the same time, side portions 420 exert pressure against side walls of secondary opening 414.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thickness of longitudinal hollow member may substantially equal a length of the side portions 420. This can provide a snug fit for retaining member 416. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a user desiring to maintain constant retention of a cord 412 and longitudinal hollow member 400 would clip the retaining member 416 onto cord 412 and into secondary opening 414. The plug portion of a cord would be prevented from passing through retaining member 416 due to size constraints. Thus, a user would no longer have to worry about losing the longitudinal hollow member 400 because it would always be attached to cord 412 even during operation of an appliance.

The longitudinal hollow member 400 can become detached from cord 412 by a user compressing head portion 418 or side portions 420 to allow hooking portions 422 to pass through secondary openings 414. To permanently lock retaining member 416, an adhesive can be added such that hooking portions 422 can form a permanent bond with interior surface 406.

In a further embodiment of the invention, retaining member 416 can be sized such that it can accommodate two cords simultaneously. In still a further embodiment of the invention, retaining member 416 can rotate about its axis. This provides flexibility when the longitudinal hollow member 400 is attached while the appliance is in use.

FIG. 5 discloses a perspective view of a retainer member for use with a cord container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 depicts retaining member 516 fitting into a base 524. Base 524 is structured and arranged to allow retaining member 516 to fit into an opening 526 of base 524. The side portions 520 exert pressure against the sides of opening 526, a curved portion of head portion 518 touches an upper portion of base 524 while hooking portions 522 prevent the retaining member 516 from being lifted out of opening 526. The arrangement is similar to that of FIG. 4.

An adhesive can be placed within opening 526 to permanently lock the retaining member 516 to base 524. Base 524 is connected to longitudinal hollow member 500 via a connector 528. Connector 528 may comprise a screw, rivet, and the like. The arrangement is such that the base 524 can swivel about an axis of connector 528.

FIGS. 6A through 6C disclose views of a retractable cord container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically longitudinal member 600 comprises portions that can be in a retracted position, partial extended position, or fully extended position. Longitudinal hollow member 600 meets the needs of users who may not want portions of a bundled cord, cable or wire to be displayed.

Longitudinal hollow member 600 comprises longitudinal member 600 ₁, longitudinal hollow member 600 ₂ and longitudinal hollow member 600 ₃. Longitudinal hollow member 600 ₁ includes a first end 602 ₁ and an opposing second end 604 ₁. Opposing second end 604 ₁ includes an outer diameter flange 603. Longitudinal hollow member 600 ₂ includes a first end 602 ₂ and an opposing second end 604 ₂. First end 602 ₂ and opposing second end 604 ₂ each include an inner diameter flange 601. Longitudinal hollow member 600 ₃ includes a first end 602 ₃ and an opposing second end 604 ₃. First end 602 ₃ includes an outer diameter flange 603.

Longitudinal hollow member 600 ₂ comprises a center portion. In a retracted position, all the other portions reside within the center portion. The center portion is preferably at least twice as large as the other portions. Thus, as an example, if the center portion is six inches, the other two portions will be no larger than three inches each. This permits the other portions to reside in the center portion without being displayed. In an extracted position, longitudinal hollow member 600 will become twelve inches. This would allow the complete covering of a cord.

The embodiment operates in the following manner. When 600₁ and 600₃ are in a fully extended position, the inner diameter flange of longitudinal hollow member 600 ₂ engage with the outer diameter flange of longitudinal hollow member 600 ₁ and longitudinal hollow member 600 ₃ preventing the members from falling out and restricting further outward movement.

Although this embodiment is depicted as being tubular this embodiment can be square or rectangular in shape and further include a retaining member. For instance, those owning a flat screen tv can use a rectangular shaped embodiment having extendable features to hide most of an electrical cord and cable wire while the tv and cable box are in operation. The cable box may be below the tv and an electrical cord may go from the tv to the back of the cable box, The invention can be used to hide all or most of these cords and cables by extending the rectangular shaped longitudinal hollow member. The retaining member may be used to attach both the cable wire and electrical cord.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Other configurations are also possible. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for containing a cord, the apparatus comprising: a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end; the longitudinal member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a restrictive band disposed on the interior surface of at least one of the first end and the second end of the longitudinal member, wherein the restrictive band restricts movement of the cord from being dislodged from the longitudinal member when the cord is folded into loops within the longitudinal hollow member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal hollow member is extendable and retractable.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restrictive band comprises at least one of rubber, and silicone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the restrictive band further comprises a grit material additive.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restrictive band is between a ¼ inch to 1 inch in width.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restrictive band is the same color as the longitudinal hollow member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restrictive band is a different color than the longitudinal hollow member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a retention member coupled to an exterior surface of the longitudinal hollow member.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retention member is swivable.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retention member permanently connects the cord with the longitudinal hollow member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retention member selectively releases a portion of the cord from the longitudinal hollow member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal hollow member is tubular in shape.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal hollow member is rectangular in shape.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal hollow member is square in shape.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal comprises a plastic resin material.
 16. An apparatus for containing a cord, the apparatus comprising: a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end; the longitudinal hollow member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a retaining member coupled to the exterior surface of the longitudinal hollow member, wherein the retaining member is lockable and connects a portion of the cord to the longitudinal hollow member, wherein in a folded or unfolded state the cord is still connected to the longitudinal hollow member.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the retaining member is swivable and the longitudinal hollow member is extendable and retractable.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the retaining member is coupled to the exterior surface of the longitudinal hollow member with one of screws and adhesives.
 19. A method for containing a cord, the method comprising: providing a longitudinal hollow member having a first end and an opposing second end; the longitudinal member further having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and providing a restrictive band disposed on the interior surface of at least one of the first end and the second end of the longitudinal member, wherein the restrictive band restricts movement of the cord from being dislodged from the longitudinal member when the cord is folded into loops within the longitudinal hollow member.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: a swivable retaining member for retaining a portion of a cord. 